Teeter FitSpine LX9 vs. Ironman Gravity 4000 – An in depth comparison

If you are in the market for an excellent inversion table, you are in luck.  Today I want to compare two top-rated inversion tables, the Teeter FitSpine LX9 vs. Ironman Gravity 4000. These tables share some similarities but have some fundamental differences, as well.  Sit back and relax as we dissect these popular inversion table models.

Choosing the right inversion table can be challenging; there are so many different models available.  My goal is to take the guesswork out of the process and help you find the best table.  If all goes well, your inversion table search ends here.

I have been using inversion tables for many years and will share my insight on things you should look for in a quality table.  A good inversion table will last you many years, so buying the right one is essential.

I have used both Teeter and Ironman inversion tables over the years and will share the features and benefits of these two models. With that said, let’s get right into this.

Teeter FitSpine LX9 vs. Ironman Gravity 4000

Backrest

Teeter FitSpine LX9

This Teeter inversion table comes with a FlexTech backrest, which is designed to flex as you move, and it also has built-in handgrips.  This is a great combination when you want to stretch side to side while you are inverting. You can grab onto the handgrips, and the table will move with you as you stretch.

The LX9 also comes equipped with removable acupressure nodes for trigger point massage on tight knots.  A lumbar bridge helps to give you extra stretch in your low back. This feature-rich backrest has a lot to offer.  The backrest is easy to keep clean and is very breathable.

Ironman Gravity 4000

The Ironman inversion table has a 2.5-inch thick memory foam backrest with a vinyl cover. The backrest is not designed to flex with your movements and does not come with built-in handgrips.  Included is a lumbar pillow for lower back support and stretching.

Some people argue that a foam backrest can actually limit decompression.

Advantage: Teeter FitSpine LX9

Weight capacity

Teeter FitSpine LX9 has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds.

Ironman Gravity 4000

One of the defining features of this inversion table is the weight limit of 350 pounds.  The Gravity 4000 is a “heavy-duty” table and is rated higher than most other tables on the market.

Advantage: Ironman Gravity 4000

Inversion angle adjustment

There are a couple of different options when it comes to adjusting the inversion angle on an inversion table, the preset or pushpin style or a tether strap.  I will discuss both below and explain which one I recommend and why.

First, let’s talk about the pushpin system. This method is foolproof, and there are preset inversion angles.  You put the pin at the corresponding angle you want, and you are set.  This type of system does have limitations, though.

The presets usually come in 15 or 20-degree increments, like 15, 30, 45, or 60 degrees.  It’s the same thing with 20-degree variety; you will have increments of 20, 40, 60-degrees.  The problem with this is you are limited to these angles, I will explain.

When I suffered a back injury a few years ago, part of my treatment was to use my inversion table.  I started with a shallow angle like 15 degrees.  As I slowly progressed, I was able to make small, incremental adjustments to my angle.

I was not able to make a 15 or 20-degree jump, so the preset inversion angles would not have worked for me. This may not be an issue for you, but it is something to think about.

The tether strap gives you unlimited inversion angles; you can set the length on the strap and make it shorter or longer. Both of these models use the tether strap.

Advantage: Tie

Assembly

Before I get into this, I would like to point out that inversion tables are cumbersome and awkwardly shaped. Because of this, I recommend you have someone to help you, especially if you have back problems or are dealing with a back injury.  The last thing you need to do is aggravate or injure yourself further, building an inversion table.

Also, it’s a good idea to build the table in the room you plan to use and store it.  Again, these tables are heavy and awkward to move, so keep that in mind.

Teeter FitSpine LX9

This inversion tables come 80% pre-assembled and include the tools you need to finish the job.  You can put this table together in about 20 minutes.  Teeter includes a DVD and assembly guide.

You can even download the BILT app, which gives you 3-D assembly instructions.  Assembling a Teeter inversion table is very straightforward. Teeter has made the assembly process very efficient.

Ironman Gravity 4000

Unlike the Teeter model, the Ironman does not come 80% done for you.  Although it’s not difficult to assemble, I would plan on about an hour to put all the pieces together.  It does come with tools, but you may want to use your own.

Advantage: Teeter FitSpine LX9

Ankle locking system

The ankle locking system consists of the locking/release handle, ankle cushions, and the footrest.  This mechanism is an essential part of any inversion table.  You want to feel secure while you are hanging upside down.

Teeter

The Teeter FitSpine has a long handle (EZ-Reach as they call it), which requires less bending over, a good thing if you are experiencing back pain.  At one point in my life, I had sciatica so bad that I could not bend over to lock myself into my inversion table. A long locking/release handle is critical in my eyes.

The ankle cushions are very comfortable and fit securely around your lower leg just above the ankles.  I like the fact that these are contoured in a way that does not cut into your leg.

One unique feature of this table is the footrest. The footrest is what you step on when you first get on your inversion table.  On this table, the footrest is height-adjustable, just one more customizable feature this table offers.

Ironman Gravity

This table is equipped with an extended locking/release handle, which is a plus in my book.  No need to bend over farther than you have to if you have a bad back.

The ankle cushions are adequately comfortable and a u-shaped to fit nicely around the front and back of your lower leg.

The footrest is fixed in one place and is not adjustable.  An adjustable footrest is not a necessity by any means, but some folks will appreciate this feature, on the Teeter.

Advantage: Teeter FitSpine LX9

Other “stuff”

The Teeter inversion table has a couple of other defining features that, quite frankly, most other tables on the market do not offer.  Of course, these features come at a price.

This model has a boarding platform, which makes it easier to get in and out of the inversion table. Also included with the LX9 is a storage caddy, which gives you a place to store items like a water bottle, cell phone, or acupressure nodes.

Verdict: Teeter FitSpine LX9 vs. Ironman Gravity 4000

Based on all of the available features, the Teeter FitSpine LX9 wins out.  The flexible backrest and the ankle locking system are excellent on this inversion table. Also, Teeter includes features that other tables just don’t offer. The FitSpine LX9 is the top of the line inversion table in Teeters lineup, and it is feature-rich.

Now I will add that this table is more expensive than the Ironman model, but you also get a lot more features. If you don’t need all of the extra features and want to save some money, then, by all means, the Ironman Gravity 4000 is a solid option.

You can read my complete review of the Teeter FitSpine LX9 here and the Ironman Gravity 4000 here.

If you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to leave them below.

If you are interested in more information, click the links below.

Thanks for stopping by today.

I hope this comparison has helped with your inversion table search.

Steve

BuildingStrongerBodies.com